6 Flashcards
What is civil commitment?
Involuntary hospitalization for individuals with a mental disorder who pose a danger to self/others or need treatment.
What legal principle allows civil commitment?
Parens patriae – the government acts as a parent in the person’s best interest.
What’s the difference in criteria across provinces?
Some (like Ontario) require likely serious harm; others (like BC) allow for prevention of deterioration.
What is Community Compulsory Treatment (CCT)?
A less restrictive form of civil commitment for those with prior inpatient treatment.
What are the two main reasons for criminal commitment?
(1) To assess fitness to stand trial, (2) If found Not Criminally Responsible due to Mental Disorder (NCRMD).
What is the criteria for NCRMD?
The person did not understand what they were doing or that it was wrong.
Is NCRMD commonly used to avoid jail?
No — it often results in longer institutional stays than criminal sentences.
What rights do individuals under mental health treatment have?
Right to treatment, least restrictive environment, and to refuse treatment.
What is the Canadian Psychological Association’s Code of Ethics?
- Respect for Dignity of Persons
- Responsible Caring
- Integrity in Relationships
- Responsibility to Society
When must a psychologist break confidentiality?
Risk of serious harm to self/others, child abuse – must report, ideally with client involvement.
What’s a dual relationship in therapy?
When the therapist has another role in the client’s life, which should generally be avoided.
Is SPD an official diagnosis?
No, it’s not in the DSM, but symptoms are often seen in other disorders like autism.
Who typically treats SPD?
Occupational therapists.
What’s the issue with “repressed memory” therapy?
Evidence for repressed memories is weak; risk of false memories is high.
What is the controversy around 12-step programs?
Concerns about religious framing and absolutism, but generally shown to be effective.
What is microdosing?
Taking small amounts of psychedelics (e.g., LSD, psilocybin) for possible mental health benefits — still under study.
What is conversion therapy?
Harmful, discredited attempts to change someone’s sexual orientation; banned in Canada since 2022.
What is autogynephilia?
A controversial theory suggesting some AMAB individuals experience arousal at imagining themselves as women.
Why is autogynephilia controversial?
It’s been used to pathologize trans women and is tied to outdated, biased research.
